24 comments:

I don't disagree with you Dave, but he said the event should be exclusively for the top sixteen and tend to agree with him.

However, due to his legendary record then he should be given a couple, although he doesn't enhance the event in quite the same way as Jimmy White who pulls in large crowds, which produce an electric atmosphere.

Watching the Murphy / Cope match last night I noticed that the thumb on Jamie's bridge hand is not tight against his forefinger. This must surely cause a loss of control of the cue. I've never seen a pro do this before - Dave, do you know if he has damaged his thumb because it is a big disadvantage to be cueing like this?

Tough one although have to say I prefer the idea of restricting entry to the top 16 especially given the increased fluidity of the rankings these days.

Dave - think this might have been asked before but is there any word on the Masters venue from next year? I believe the current deal with Wembley is up and BH has intimated that he's not entirely happy holding it there... what are the chances of it staying at Wembley or indeed in London?

If they were to have wildcards next year then maybe have a legends wildcard round? White v Hendry and Doherty v Davis with the winners to play the 15th and 16th ranked players? That would definately draw the crowds.

The Masters wildcard round might well be a good idea but surely it should be restricted to previous winners.This would exclude the likes of Ken Doherty but would add something quaint to the proceedings.This is the case in Augusta where former golfing Masters either play in the event or tee off at the first in the case of elderly stars of the past.If a non winner like crafty Ken are included it muddies the waters somewhat.The idea would also allow Ronnie to play when he drops out of the 16 which will almost certainly happen within 2 years such is his appetite for destruction.

Firstly, White draws the crowds, which is the primary function of a wildcard, in any sport.

People won't flock to Dott's autobiography, but doesn't mean that it won't be a fascinating read just because he is not of the sports most iconic names.

One of the best sports autobiographies I have read, was the one concerning the footballer Stan Collymore, which outlines in fascinating detail his battle with depression. Mental illnesses are very complex and thus provide a good depth of interest.

I just picked up on the earlier comment there, does Graeme Dott have a book out?

I was also wondering before about any other snooker stars who have autobiographies so to speak. I know Ronnie does and Jimmy has something out there, Willie Thorne, Alex Higgins but I've not seen much else other than that. Does Stephen Hendry or Steve Davis not have an autobiography does anyone know?